Pasadena Law Office - Interview with Justine Anguiano

Pasadena Law Office - Interview with Justine Anguiano

Posted By
Benjamin Woodford

One morning, on a bright day in fall, I headed over to Pasadena to meet with the lovely Ms. Justine Anguiano,
the Office Manager for the Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer. My intention
was to get an insider’s look into the workings of the office and
meet the woman who Mr. Schweitzer credits for his smooth running firm.

As I entered the office, I was greeted by the sweet smile and glowing face
of Ms. Anguiano. She was wearing a striped shirt, almost reminiscent of
the gondola rowers of Venice - a black cardigan, tan pants and black flats.
A sensible but professional look. She smiled and welcomed me as she shook
my hand and offered me a seat. She waited until I settled in before sitting
down herself. I immediately noted that this lady was well versed in professionalism.

Simply put, Justine is an open book.

“So, what do you wanna know?” she asked with a laugh, seemingly
suggesting that this interview was a bit silly. Why would anyone want
to interview her? Why all the fuss? What is so special that she needed
to be interviewed? Quite a lot it seems. Justine is the mom at church
who organizes the bake sale; she is the teacher at school who pays out
of pocket for kid who cannot afford to go to camp. She looks out for and
cares for everyone. Some of the many ideas Justine has spearheaded include:
Christmas gifts for orphans and children with less fortunate backgrounds;
Thanksgiving food drives for low income families; back to school events
that provide children with school supplies; clothing and medical/dental
checkups; all along while keeping morale in the office high by organizing
inter-company events as well.

Justine has been with the firm for seven years, with the latter two years
in her position as Office Manager. It was clear, early on, that Justine
shies away from the spotlight, a true testament to her altruistic character.
She wants the company she works for to succeed and run efficiently. That
being said, she does have a great affinity as a spokesperson for the office.

“You’ve received multiple accolades” I pause to see her
reaction; A shy smile. “You’ve got two awards on your office
wall, multiple promotions and opportunities for growth, after seven years,
has this job turned into a career for you?

“It definitely has turned into a career” she responds after
brief reflection. “When I started as a filing clerk, I did not see
a long term future here. I was in school to become a pharmacy tech. I
completed multiple programs trying to find a career path in a different
field. Every time I endeavored on a new project, they all ended up being
something that didn’t feel right. Throughout that whole time I was
working here, working hard, and they kept promoting me and giving me more
responsibilities.” She pauses as she runs through the last few years
in here head. “And I realized, I’m actually kinda good at
this!”

“Kinda Good” is an understatement. Justine has been awarded
the prestigious ‘Don Moon Memorial Award’ twice! The only
person to ever do so. The Don Moon award is in memory of Donald Moon,
a private investigator and close friend of Mr. Schweitzer and the firm,
who was the personification of hard work and dedication.

As I continue to interview employees of this office, everything continually
points to one concept, one idea, one action, one word; Excellence. Donald
Schweitzer has created a workplace that encourages and builds and strives
for excellence. Justine is no exception. She is the rule.

So what’s next for this wonder woman? As her history would suggest,
on to bigger and better things. Justine is currently working towards getting
her certification in Human Resources to continue to make the office, and
her future, the best it can be.